Choosing a Real Wood Cot Bed
A solid wooden crib is an investment for your baby A good quality piece should last until the time they begin school (insert crying emoji here). This Scandi-style model features three mattress positions and can be transformed into a toddler bed by using the appropriate extension kit.
The panel took us about an hour to assemble, and the sides are low enough to make washing a breeze. Our testers loved the clean traditional design.
Material
A solid wood bed is a timeless piece of nursery furniture that will be loved for many years to come. It's also built to stand up to the bumps and bruises that are inevitable in the family life. The decision of which one to choose is difficult with so many designs and features to choose from.
The most durable wood cot bed is constructed from strong, durable materials like mahogany or pine. They should be sanded down and stained or painted with child-safe paint to guard against water damage. They should also have a fitted mattress that fits snugly and is labelled with the name of the manufacturer and size. Your child's safety is paramount. Make sure that the crib you choose meets the latest British safety standards as well as European safety standards. It must be approved by an internationally recognized laboratory.
There are cot beds that suit every taste and budget, whether you prefer a classic sleigh or a more modern. Silver Cross Nostalgia offers premium quality, functional and an elegant design. It is designed to last until your child is ready for a bed and can be made into a junior bed with the help of an optional kit.
Another alternative is the Mamas & Papas Franklin cot bed, which offers numerous extra features to keep your baby entertained and comfortable. It comes with a drawer to store blankets, nappies and teething rails. The base height can be adjusted to three different positions. It is also simple to put together, and has a long life. If you purchase an expansion kit, you can transform it into a toddler's bed.
If you are on a budget and want to save money, the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is a great option. It comes in stylish green or off-white and costs only PS372. It's the standard cot bed and comes with a height adjustable base that lets you lower the bed as your child grows. It can also be used from birth until age four, and the bars can be removed for a toddler bed.
Design
A real wood cot-bed is an investment in the future. It will last for many years and give your child a safe and secure place to sleep and develop. They are designed to be durable and adaptable, allowing them to adapt to your child's changing needs with a range of mattress base heights as well as conversion options. They're also a chic option for any nursery, fitting with the rest of your furniture.
Before purchasing a wooden cot, it's important to consider the style and decor you want to create. Some are more traditional, whereas others are modern in design. Some are made of solid wood and others are made from composite materials such as MDF. Solid-wood cots cost more but are also more durable and sturdy than MDF models.
The best wooden cots can last for a long time and some can even be converted into a toddler bed. A good example is the Stokke Home Bed, which transforms from a cot to the size of a junior bed, then it transforms into a chic sofa. The Stokke Home Bed is available with additional options, such as a tent to allow your child to play and a changing table to serve as an easy diaper station.
Another alternative is an alternative is the Mamas & Papas Sleigh Cot constructed from FSC pine and finished in neutral white or soft beige. It's a great option for a neutral nursery, and is simple to set up it took us less than an hour to get up and running. This cot doesn't come with a mattress included and you'll have to buy one separately.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly cot that doesn't compromise on quality, you can do worse than the Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range. It's simple to put together and includes three mattress height positions so that it can be used from birth until your child turns four. It also has teething rails and is designed to stand the tests of time thanks to its robust construction.
For a premium buy that lasts from newborn to toddler, take a look at the Little Interiors 1950s inspired cot from Danish brand Done by Deer. It's an original piece that can be transformed into a low-level bed for toddlers or even a playhouse by removing the bars for the cot. It was easy to assemble and our testers loved its sturdy and solid feel.
Safety
As parents, you will want to ensure your baby is always safe. This is especially true when they are asleep. A quality cot will ensure that your baby is comfortable and well-fed. It should be free of hazards such as suffocation and entrapment. When looking for the perfect crib, take note of the following safety features.
Check that wood bed cot are not more than 95 millimetres apart. Check that the bars do not exceed 95 millimetres. Larger gaps can trap your baby's arms or head. Also, make sure there's enough space within the cot to stop your baby from climbing out.
It should also be kept away from power points and windows which could pose a risk of overheating. You should also make sure that the cot is free of toys, stuffed animals and other soft objects, which could be a danger to your child. You should also keep the cot clear of curtains and blinds with cords, which can be a strangulation hazard for your child.
The majority of new cots and beds have been tested and confirmed to be safe by industry experts. Certain issues can occur after a product has been placed on the market. It is important to be wary of heirloom or second-hand cots which might be older than the recommended. Cots manufactured before 1973 may have been painted with toxic lead paint. Old stickers on the side of the cot can peel off and pose a choking risk for babies. If you're considering buying an old cot, be sure that the mattress is new and has been tested to meet the British safety standards, such as BS EN716.
If you're looking for a multi-purpose crib that can carry you through your toddler years and beyond, this one from Stokke is worth having a look. It's stylish, solid and sturdy, with three levels of height that allow it to accommodate your child's growth before converting it into a bed. It's easy to construct and is backed by our MFM testers praising the directions for being "clear and easy to follow". It doesn't include the mattress, but it can be made to fit an existing 120cm x 60cm mattress. You can also buy teething rail kits and storage drawer to go with it.
Eco-friendly
Solid wood is an environmentally-friendly choice for cot beds because it's a strong and durable material. This means you'll receive furniture that will last for many years and endure the scuffs and scrapes of everyday family life. Solid wood cot beds also tend to be made by hand and this means you can be certain that you're getting a high-quality product that's been made with care.
Solid-wood cots are also noted for their capacity to be converted into other furniture for the nursery. This is especially true for the Boori Evolution furniture range, that can be turned into a toddler's bed, or even a sofa bed so that your child will be able to use it until they are six or seven years old. This gives you great value for money and also means that you won't have to buy a new crib when your child is starting to outgrow it.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin solid-wood cot bed is one of our top picks. It is packed with lots of features that make it an excellent option for any baby. It comes with a drawer, teething rails and two mattress base height settings that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also very easy to put together, and our test subjects found it to be the easiest of all of the cot beds we test.
Scandi Classic Cot Bed by Ickle Bubba is another solid-wood cot that is perfect for any nursery. It's a beautiful piece of furniture with rounded edges that look lovely in any room and is suitable for infants and children up to three years old. It can be used as a cot, toddler bed or junior bed, and can be customised with various accessories to suit your style.
Of course when it comes to cot beds, safety is the top priority and all cots have to comply with strict UK safety standards. You can get details on the safety standards that a specific cot has to be able to comply with by reading the specifications on the manufacturer's website. Talk to your doctor to help you decide which type of cot is most suitable for your child.